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[quote=Anonymous]Hey OP --

This was me when I was a kid. Then All-WCAC in high school and collegiate All-American selection. It feels like the end of the world, but I assure you it isn't.

This was also my son in LL too, of course.

-- Let him know that it's completely normal. On a caveman level, someone is throwing a rock at him.

-- He just needs to rewire his brain, so he focuses on hitting the ball, not getting hit. Easier, said then done.

-- I don't think getting hit by tennis balls work because the kids know they are tennis balls. But it can be good practice for how to get hit. I don't agree with practicing getting hit with real balls -- this isn't about tolerating pain, it's about the brain going on red alert and bailing out of the box.

-- Start with small goals -- no stepping or bailing out. Remove swinging from the equation. Just get comfortable with tracking the ball out of the pitcher's hand and getting the brain to recognize that 95% of pitches are not going to hit you. And because they aren't swinging, they'll also realize that that can get out of the way and avoid being hit.

-- Once they are more firm in the box, suggest that they start swinging at specific pitch locations with which they are comfortable. Maybe take anything inside, but swing middle-away, or just away.

-- Then have them think through the situation if they do get hit. It hurts! But focus on the positive side that they are helping the team by being a base runner.

-- Once they start swinging regularly, don't be surprised if they are a little wild and overaggressive. They haven't been paying attention to the strike zone, but more importantly they'll want to join the hitting party with their teammates.

Everyone is scared of getting hit, even Big Leaguers. It's just a matter of how much one can suppress the fear and focus on the at-bat.

This will pass! And just be glad it's not the yips.

[/quote]

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